Tag: world

Growing up, I always thought being different was a bad thing. At one point or another, we all have wanted to “fit in” and receive the approval from others whether…

Growing up, I always thought being different was a bad thing. At one point or another, we all have wanted to “fit in” and receive the approval from others whether we want to admit it or not.

The Bible brings up this topic many times throughout it. God asks us to follow him and leave the ways of the world behind, just as he had to. He not only wants us to be different, but calls us to be different. Take a look at Romans 12:2 for example.

It says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

When we conform to the ways of the world, we lose the ways of God. By standing out and being different, people start to notice and see the change in us! When we put the ways of the world behind us, God transforms us and works wonders in our lives.

There’s a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that I think puts it so perfectly: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

This goes for all things in life. If no one makes their own path and leads by example, we would all just be followers, living a life of repetition and boredom.

I’ve always wanted my YouTube channel to leave my own trail and display the love of Christ through my videos. Although it’s not the normal thing you see on YouTube, I knew God was calling me for something bigger and to use my platform for others to see Him through me.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

When we consider the truth of the fact that God chose us, everything changes. God chose us to be his light in the darkness, not to hide in the shadows and take on the ways of the darkness.

If we all followed the ways of the world, we would all be the same, striving toward nothing but momentary satisfaction. When we go our own way, GOD’S way, we leave a trail that gives way for so many better things to follow.

Being different is GOOD! It allows for others to join you and make an even bigger pathway toward loving the Lord and living out his word. Next time you need some boldness and confidence, remember what Emerson says: “Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail!”

When we think about the creation of the universe, we so often forget how absolutely mind-blowing it actually is. It’s easy to forget that God created the heavens and the…

When we think about the creation of the universe, we so often forget how absolutely mind-blowing it actually is. It’s easy to forget that God created the heavens and the earth in 7 days, and that the universe was formed immediately when God spoke life into it.

When we think about the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, they are all individually here because God wanted them to be. The trees in your front yard and the clouds above you are, again, created perfectly by our heavenly father. Crazy, right?

The lyrics of one of my favorite worship songs by Hillsong United talks about the beauty of God’s creation. In the song, it says,

“If the stars were made to worship so will I

If the mountains bow in reverence so will I

If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I

For if everything exists to lift You high so will I

If the wind goes where You send it so will I

If the rocks cry out in silence so will I

If the sum of all our praises still falls shy

Then we’ll sing again a hundred billion times.”

Everything that God has created was made to display his beauty and power. The stars, the mountains, the oceans, the wind… they are all formed with distinct differences and purposes. This includes us. God created us like he created the stars in the sky. Each uniquely different, even among the other 7 billion people on this planet.

If God would take the time to make each star in the sky unique and perfect, why would he not do the same for you? Even the smallest details were perfectly hand crafted by our heavenly father himself. Pretty crazy when you think about it!

“For if everything exists to lift you high so will I.” We need to remember who we’re here to serve on this earth. It isn’t the cute boy in your class or the friend you’re trying to impress. We exist because of HIM and we live to obey and serve HIM!

Job 12:7-10 says, “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”

I love this verse and its message. We get to walk alongside God’s creations every single day! Whether that be walking with your best friend to class or taking your dog for a walk. We get to experience the joys and wonders of the world every day during every second!

If God created the stars to worship, we too should rejoice and praise him. If God created the mountains to bow, we too should take up our cross and follow him. If God created the wind to go where he sends it, then we too should go where he commands us!

There are so many lessons we can learn by simply looking at the world around us. Never forget the amazing, mind blowing power that God has and how he used that power to create YOU! Rest in this, and praise him for his incredible creations. 🙂

The world is full of 7.4 billion people. To put that into perspective, if you multiply the population of the United States 22 times, you still wouldn’t exceed the earth’s…

The world is full of 7.4 billion people.

To put that into perspective, if you multiply the population of the United States 22 times, you still wouldn’t exceed the earth’s population. It’s more than the amount of people living in New York City… if you multiplied it by 866.

You never really think of how big the world is and how you are only 1 of the 7 billion on this planet.

I don’t say these things to discourage you or make you feel less important, I just want you to realize how big of a world God created and recognize the true scale of its greatness.

On the contrary, I want YOU to recognize the true scale of your own greatness, the greatness that God designed in you since the beginning of your life.

Take a look at Psalm 119:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Read that verse through again. The creator of the entire universe knew every detail about you before you were even brought into this world. He created you to be wonderful, God-fearing, and perfect in his eyes.

Knowing that the same God who created the ocean and the stars in the sky created me and you individually and perfectly, we should have full confidence in the fact that HE has a bigger purpose for OUR lives.

1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

We are a part of something much bigger than ourselves. We are chosen for God’s perfect mission on this earth. We should act as if we are God’s special possession like the Bible says. Once we believe this, our confidence, boldness, and joy will overflow into our lives!

2 Corinthians 8:21 says, “Our purpose is to do what is right, not only in the right of the Lord, but also in the sight of others.”

Do you know what it means to be a witness for Christ? It means to live your life in a Christ-like manner for others to see. The way we talk the talk and walk the walk can push others to desire a relationship with God!

Extend a hand to your friends, your family, even strangers passing by. We should allow God to shine his light through our own lives.

Our time here is limited. We should be living for God and fulfilling his purpose for our lives, whatever that may be!

Find your confidence in HIM. We may just be 1 person out of 7 billion, but we have a special purpose in HIM and HIM alone!

When you read the title of this article, you might have assumed this is all about relationships. Although many times guarding your heart has to do with boys or catching…

When you read the title of this article, you might have assumed this is all about relationships.

Although many times guarding your heart has to do with boys or catching feelings, it covers several areas of your life you wouldn’t even think of.

When it comes to different areas in our life, we should practice guarding our hearts from anything that could damage it.

Maybe music is your weak point. What songs are affecting you negatively? Maybe it’s movies. What movies put bad thoughts into your head over and over again?

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23

For boys:

This is a big one ladies. I know for me, I grew up dreaming of the husband God was preparing for me. Every guy I dated, I always wondered in the back of my head if he was the one.

For a while, I would pour out my heart to every boyfriend I had. In the end, I would be left broken and empty because I rushed to give so much of my heart to whoever I was in a relationship with.

I soon after learned a very important lesson: stop giving my heart to the hands that can break it.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Once you find the kind of love God describes in 1 Corinthians, then you can start your journey of letting your guard down.

Until then, be careful who you give parts of your heart to. Seek God and you’ll find him in all areas of your life, even your relationships.

For friends:

When you’re with your friends, learn which ones are lifelong and which are temporary. Learn who you can trust with your secrets and venting sessions.

I learned this the hard way, by trusting too many people and giving too many of my “friends” access to all areas of my life.

Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

God wants you to have good fellowship and to keep those in your life who encourage and build you up. You just have to know who’s wise and who you should walk with.

For the things of this world:

As far as music, movie, TV shows, etc., you retain more of the information you hear and watch than you think.

After a while, the harsh words you hear or the vulgar scenes you watch may start to take a toll on you. Put into your body the things that are going to leave a positive impact on you, not a negative one.

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There’s a strong difference between guarding your heart and shutting people out. It’s important to know when to let your guard down and when to keep it up.

God wants us to protect ourselves from the things that take us away from Him.

I challenge you to practice the things God talks about in the Bible. Once again, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

If you’re like me, then you love finding beautiful places to explore, especially when you didn’t even know they existed! I always scroll through Tumblr and Instagram and find the…

If you’re like me, then you love finding beautiful places to explore, especially when you didn’t even know they existed!I always scroll through Tumblr and Instagram and find the most beautiful spots that I can add to my bucket list.Here are five that you should add to your own “must-see” list!

Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs, Colorado.If you’ve never been, this place is amazing!It’s filled with huge rocks and trees surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains.If you want a good photo op, then this is the spot for you!

Tamanawas Falls – Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon.If you want to submerge yourself in nature, visit this jaw-dropping waterfall.It’s a big of a trek to get there, but it’s so worth it!

Fugitive Beach – Rolla, Missouri.This place isn’t the most well-known in the country, but where I’m from, it’s a go-to hotspot!People around the St. Louis area love to go there to hang with friends and even cliff jump!

Blue Lakes – San Juan Mountain, Colorado.You’d never think that this blue of water actually exists in Colorado, but you’d be surprised at how vibrant the water is!It’s so pretty and the mountains are an added perk.

Fort Jefferson – Key West, Florida.Fort Jefferson is a historic landmark that’s been around for decades and is now a beautiful tourist destination!Look at the picture to the right to see for yourself!

I don’t know about you, but I love decorative maps and the vintage feel they give off! Just the pattern itself is one of my favorites whether it be room…

I don’t know about you, but I love decorative maps and the vintage feel they give off!Just the pattern itself is one of my favorites whether it be room décor, phone cases, pillows, etc.There are tons of different map DIYs that you can easily make into the cutest things!Especially if you like to travel, you should try out these super cute DIYs!

Like I mentioned before, for the travelers out there, this one is for you!You’ll need to purchase wooden letters that spell out the world “travel.”Buy them in the right size according to where you’re putting them whether it be on your wall, desk, etc.There are different ways to actually apply the map pattern to it either with map scrapbooking paper, decoupage, etc.You can hang your letters or get thick ones that will stand up on a table or desk.

Another DIY that’s a little simpler is purchasing a big wall map and attaching it to a foam board.Since these maps are usually thicker and hard to simply glue it yourself, you can take it to Hobby Lobby or another craft store to do it for you.Then, buy some pushpins and stick them on the cities that you’ve been to!It’s a fun way to see how many places around the world/country you’ve gone to!

Which DIY are you going to try out for yourself?Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things and customize it even more!

The world is a huge place full of beauty secrets just waiting for their big reveal. Some of these beauty secrets, such as Moroccan Oil from Morocco for shiny and…

The world is a huge place full of beauty secrets just waiting for their big reveal. Some of these beauty secrets, such as Moroccan Oil from Morocco for shiny and healthy hair, have taken the world by storm! Many other countries have their own beauty secrets that you can try in your own home! Check out how to get heathy and feel beautiful from around the globe!

Australia: Got dandruff? No problem! Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your normal shampoo will get rid of the problem in no time!

Egypt: For soft skin, bathe in milk and honey. This one dates back all the way to the time of the pyramids!

Brazil: If you didn’t already know this, oats are great for your skin! In Brazil, they place oatmeal in a filter bag and place it over their faucet in the bathtub. Once the hot water has filtered through the oats, you’ve got yourself a sunburn relief bath!

Costa Rica: If you have large pores and would like to shrink them for a short-term effect, mix together orange juice and water and use a cotton ball to rub the mixture on your skin. Let the juice sink in for a few minutes and then continue to wash your face as you normally would! Your pores should be noticeably smaller.

Spain: Remove dark under eye circles by placing a sliced potato on your eyes. This will lighten the skin!

The world has got some pretty great ideas! It’s time we take advantage of them!

If you’re like me, then you’re an avid shoe lover! Besides diamonds, shoes are a girl’s best friend. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or where you’re visiting, you can…

If you’re like me, then you’re an avid shoe lover! Besides diamonds, shoes are a girl’s best friend. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or where you’re visiting, you can always spark up conversation about shoes with any girl! Although we all share this same connection, the most popular type of shoe differs between countries. Fashion, although a sort of universal language, can be very, very different.

Ever owned a pair of clogs, Uggs, Hunters, or cowboy boots? These are serious staples for different countries. Clogs from Sweden, Uggs from Australia, Hunter rain boots from England, and cowboy boots from Texas have made their way around the world! From the runway to the street, they’ve become some of the hottest trends. College and high school campuses are flooded with Hunter Wellies on a rainy day, country concerts are full of girls rocking their favorite pair of cowboy boots, and thanks to the reinvention of the clog, throwing on a pair of clog wedges is all the rage in the summer. Another fun international shoe is the moccasin from Canada! Love throwing on a pair of these with a boho top of an easy and cute outfit look!

Crazy to think that some of your everyday shoes originated thousands of miles away! The world has some amazing ideas!

Have you ever wondered where certain trends you see start or come from? Sometimes a celebrity starts wearing a style that trickles to everyone who witnesses it. Other times, a…

Have you ever wondered where certain trends you see start or come from? Sometimes a celebrity starts wearing a style that trickles to everyone who witnesses it. Other times, a trend from across the pond makes its way to the U.S. Here are a few looks inspired by countries around the globe!

Kimono cardigans, which started from the original kimonos in Japan, have suddenly become a huge fashion statement in America. High waisted shorts, a simple tank top, and a kimono cardigan with wedges is a fashionable outfit that you can find in a handful of the latest magazines.

Rain boots, which have been around way before the 2000’s, are still big here today in the U.S. Rain boots actually started out in England and were first styled as boots for war. Nowadays, brands such as Hunter rain boots have taken the style of the boots and made them perfect for rainy days. They’re super cute and available in almost any color! Look at the ones on the left for example… So cute! Check them out here: http://tiny.cc/Rainboots.

Fedora hats are popular for both girls and guys. They’re super fun for a day at the beach or hanging with your friends at the pool. They first started out in France when a woman came on stage wearing a fedora hat while performing a famous French play. Now, it’s a big fashion trend among almost anyone in America! If you want to purchase one, click here!

Do you know of any other trends that may’ve started in another continent? Let me know in the comment section below!

Hey insiders! The world is full of different cultures, each with their own traditions and ways of getting by. I’ve heard of some crazy ancient beauty remedies used from all…

Hey insiders!

The world is full of different cultures, each with their own traditions and ways of getting by. I’ve heard of some crazy ancient beauty remedies used from all different countries around the world. Although some are way too insane to actually try, some are useful and super creative! Keep on reading to discover moreJ!

Chile, in South America, credits red grapes for their perfect skin! These women usually crush up a handful of red grapes and add two tablespoons of white flour. They then apply it to their skin and let the mask sit for about 10 minutes. After washing it off, your face will be left with a luminous glow!

In Egypt, legend tells that Cleopatra used to take milk baths to soften her skin. Adding two cups of powdered milk to your bath leaves you with glowing, softer skin.

The women in Spain like to bring out the natural highlights in their hair. In order to do this the secret is cranberry juice! To try it out at home, mix a ¼ cup of pure cranberry juice with a ¼ cup of water. Then shower and rinse your hair in it! If you’re blonde, make sure you use lemon juice! Do not use cranberry juice unless you want to end up with orange hair!

These are only a few of the many secrets waiting to be discovered all around the globe! Let me know what you think!